The Sconi

Trapping data from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has confirmed the establishment of the spongy moth in La Crosse County. Consequently, the county has been added to the state and federal spongy moth quarantine list, joining much of eastern and central Wisconsin already under the same status.

This marks the first addition of a new county to the quarantine list since 2023. Currently, 54 out of Wisconsin's 72 counties are quarantined for the spongy moth. The quarantine particularly affects plant nurseries, Christmas tree growers, loggers, and sawmills due to restrictions on movement and mandatory inspections. Businesses in these sectors are required to have a compliance agreement with regulatory officials to ensure their products are free from the spongy moth before transport to non-quarantined areas.

Residents of quarantined counties should exercise caution when moving outdoor items. The spongy moth can lay egg masses on objects kept outside, with each mass containing up to a thousand eggs, posing a risk of spreading when items such as patio furniture, campers, boat trailers, or firewood are moved.

Brian Kuhn, director of the Plant Industry Bureau at DATCP, advised, “If you are going camping or heading to your cabin, check your gear before leaving to ensure you aren't carrying spongy moth egg masses or caterpillars with you. This is very important if you are headed to areas in far western Wisconsin, Minnesota, or Iowa where the spongy moth population is low." Kuhn emphasized that a county can be infested without exhibiting clear signs, underscoring the importance of vigilance in preventing potential damage to the state's plants and forests.

Though visible tree damage may not be apparent in quarantined areas, Kuhn stresses, "It is important to remember the quarantine restrictions." The spongy moth, an invasive pest, has been migrating westward since arriving in North America. Its caterpillars feed on the leaves of various trees and shrubs, particularly oaks, potentially leading to severe leaf loss when populations are large.

For more information, residents are encouraged to contact Northern Field Services Unit Supervisor Jennifer Oestreich at (715) 701-1375.

More details about the spongy moth can be found on the DATCP website or through the USDA's "Your Move Spongy Moth Free" initiative.